Daily encouragement in your Christian walk until, as the Apostle Paul writes,"Christ is formed in you" (Galatians 4:19, NIV).

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Refining Takes Fire

By Allen White

Friends,
when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on
the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ
experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the
corner. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG)

A ladies Bible study was discussing Malachi 3:3,
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” After much discussion, one
lady proposed visiting a silversmith.

She went and asked about the process of refining
silver, which he fully described to her. "But Sir," she said,
"do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes, madam," replied the
silversmith; "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if
the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver
will be injured."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith
called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he
knows when the process of purifying is complete, is when he sees his own image
reflected in the silver. – Unknown

The refining process is
not the most enjoyable part of our relationship with God, but it is a necessary
process.

How is God refining you
today? What is being taken away? What hurts? Remember, “glory is just around
the corner.”